[chris_alker]

I was wondering If anybody could tell me what type of chords are being played in this video. Im not bothered about knowing what the actual chords are just what type of chords they are

thanks

[chris_alker]

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video is here btw

[James Nighthawk]

I can't be sure. There are better "sight" decipherers on this forum than me.

But it looks like they are playing in standard tuning, using certain strings left open across many of the chords. This creates a modal feel. Notes are shared across chords and it adds a different colour to standard chords. It is a great way to write something new. I try the use the whole neck on a guitar when writing new songs, using open shapes not barres, as you are more likely to find a chord change you might not try down in open chords.

This is a lovely song, I have not heard of them before. Any suggestions which album to start with so I can check them out?

 

[Schavuitje]

I think James is right. Don't think there is any alternative tuning going on, just standard chords played with open strings.

[chris_alker]

Thank you very much for both your help. I have another question as well the band normally play this song with overdrive. would these open strings work well on electric with drive as well.

and yeah they are a great band James. If you want to check some more stuff out I would give their second album a listen. Its called Fluorescent youth

[James Nighthawk]

Thank you very much for both your help. I have another question as well the band normally play this song with overdrive. would these open strings work well on electric with drive as well.

and yeah they are a great band James. If you want to check some more stuff out I would give their second album a listen. Its called Fluorescent youth

Overdrive tends to create a meshier/messier sound that loses the nuance of clean electric or acoustic. It can and is done, but the modal aspects shine through less. Often in my studio sessions working with bands that have such chord sequences, we double the guitar. A clean one with the open strings left clear, and an overdriven line focusing more on the triad or fifths. Add some judicious panning, and you have a fattened guitar sound. Bosh! (As seems to be the mot du jour at the moment...)

Bottom line, experiment!!!

And I shall check it out post haste! 

[chris_alker]

James, you mentioned you double track the guitar. Do you do record 2 takes of each guitar. for example 2 takes of the dusrtortion guitar pan them around, and then 2 takes of the clean guitar and pan them, or do you do 1 take distorted 1 take clean and pan them. thanks

[Schavuitje]

He means record one guitar with a clean sound and one recorded. Some of the notes that wouldn't shine if you record
with only distortion with shine through.

[Nathaniel James]

If you notice the first chord (root minor) has the 'A' string playing open. But the key is G minor!
So they have tuned it down 2 steps, and I believe they have done that on every string.
Can't be 100% about ALL the strings being down tuned because I don't have a guitar to hand, But the key is G minor, and from the listening the chords sound to me like:
G minor (2 bars)
E Flat major 7th (by simply changing the bass note to E Flat) (1 bar)
F major sus4th (1 bar)

Hope that helps

Nathaniel